Remote controlled motion activated water repellant system and method

ABSTRACT

A motion activated water repellant sprinkler device for repelling animals that can be remotely controlled is provided. When the device is in on mode, the user can remotely adjust the sensitivity setting of the motion detector, set a time period for which the sprinkler will continually spray, and turn off the device so that the user can approach the device without being sprayed. The ability to set a particular time period for continuous sprinkler activity allows the motion activated water repellant sprinkler device to be used not only as an animal deterring device but also as a watering device for grass and other plants.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.13/799,580, filed Mar. 13, 2013, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,464 onFeb. 2, 2016, the priority of which is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the field of animal repellingdevices and, more particularly, to a motion activated water repellantsprinkler device that can be remotely controlled.

2. Description of the Related Art

Motion activated water repellant sprinkler devices are used to sense thepresence of a moving pest animal and, upon sensing thereof, to activateand direct a spray of water toward the pest animal in order to drive theanimal away.

A prior art sprinkler deterrent device is shown in FIG. 1 and includes amounting pole 100 that supports a sprinkler head 102 at the top. Thebottom of the pole is typically forced into the ground or otherwisesecured to keep the pole steady when the sprinkler head is activated. Amotion detector 104 with a control unit 106 is mounted to the pole 100.The control unit 106 includes various setting elements (not shown) suchas a duration setting element, a range setting element, and a time ofday setting element. Upon detection of motion within the establishedrange, the motion detector 104 sends a signal to the control unit 106 toopen a water control valve (not shown) positioned between a hoseconnection 114 and the sprinkler head 102, allowing water to flow to thesprinkler head 102 and initiate spraying action. A sprinkler deterrentdevice operating essentially in this manner is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,009,192 (“the '192 patent”), the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The device in the '192 patent includes a sprinkler with a connectionline to a water supply and a low voltage electrically operated shut-offvalve in the connection line. An infrared proximity sensor, upon sensingthe presence of a moving object, such as an animal, opens the shut-offvalve in the connection line to turn on the sprinkler. The sprinkler,which is preferably a pulse type sprinkler, produces a series of pulsesprays to frighten or startle the animal causing it to move away.Sprinkler devices of the type disclosed in the Burman patent may be usedto protect shrubbery, flowers, vegetable gardens, farm crops, etc.

When using an infrared (IR) sensor to detect motion in the area coveredby the sprinkler, the sensitivity of the IR sensor is typically adjustedmanually by the user while standing next to the device. The user is thenrequired to walk 20-30 feet away from the device and then move withinthe sensor's monitored area to see if the spraying action is activatedas desired. If not, the user walks back to the device, readjusts thesensitivity to a different setting, and repeats the checking procedureof moving a distance away from the device and then moving within thesensor's monitored area to determine whether the sprinkler activatesappropriately. This procedure is repeated as often as necessary untilthe correct sensitivity setting is identified.

To disable the sprinkler, the user customarily must manually turn thedevice off. This is often disadvantageous in that it can be verydifficult to approach the sprinkler and turn it off without beingsprayed.

Therefore, a need exists for a motion activated water repellantsprinkler device that overcomes the above difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device for repelling animals thatcan be remotely controlled to activate the device, adjust thesensitivity setting, and deactivate the device.

The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device according to thepresent invention also includes a sprinkler mode in which the sprinklermay be turned on with a manual or remote command, i.e., withoutrequiring the detection of motion. In sprinkler mode the sprinkler willremain on indefinitely or for a preset time period as determined by theuser. Being able to preset a specific time period allows the motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device to be used not only as ananimal deterring device during set periods but also as a water sprinklerfor grass, shrubs, etc.

In view of the foregoing, one object of the present invention is toovercome the difficulties encountered when setting a motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device to the desired degree of sensitivityand when deactivating/reactivating the device by enabling thesefunctions to be remotely controlled.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the preceding objectthat includes a sprinkler mode in which the device can be turned on witha remote command and remain on indefinitely or for a preset time period.

A further object of the present invention to provide a motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the precedingobjects in which a remote control unit is used that communicates withthe sprinkler device using an infrared (IR) signal.

A still further object of the present invention to provide a motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with thepreceding objects in which the device also includes manual controlcapability.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with thepreceding objects in which water flow to the device is turned on and offusing a motor and cam valve control system in which the motor rotatesthe cam to open and close a water control flow valve which activates anddeactivates spraying action of the sprinkler device, respectively.

Still another object of the present invention to provide a motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with thepreceding objects in which rotation of the cam controls the positioningof a permanent magnet, the water flow being turned on when the magnetpulls back a metal plunger in the water flow control valve to open thevalve, the metal plunger being released to close the water flow controlvalve when the cam is further rotated and the magnet is therebyrepositioned.

Another object of the present invention to provide a motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the precedingobjects in which once the motor and cam valve control system has openedthe water flow control valve, power is not required in order to keep thevalve open, thus reducing the power requirement of the present inventionover conventional solenoid-operated valves.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with thepreceding objects that is not complex in structure and which can bemanufactured at low cost but yet is efficiently controlled and operatedto repel animal pests and also to water a desired area for a set periodof time.

These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of theintended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent whenreference is made to the following description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art motion activated water repellant sprinklerdevice.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of the motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the modes and control components ofthe main control unit shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control elements of the remotecontroller shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the motor and cam valve control system ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5B is an assembled view of the motor and cam valve control systemcomponents shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the cam mechanism assembled with themagnet and valve arm, which components are shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A-6B is a flow chart summarizing the method steps by which amotion activated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with thepresent invention is controlled when the device is in “on” mode.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing the method steps by which a motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device in accordance with thepresent invention is controlled when the device is in sprinkler mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although only one preferred embodiment of the invention is explained indetail, it is to be understood that the embodiment is given by way ofillustration only. It is not intended that the invention be limited inits scope to the details of construction and arrangement of componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.Also, in describing the preferred embodiment, specific terminology willbe resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

A block diagram of a motion activated water repellant sprinkler devicein accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. The motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device, generally designated by thereference numeral 10, includes a motion detector 12 coupled to a maincontrol unit 14. The main control unit 14 is configured to receive IRcontrol signals from a remote controller 16. When motion is detected, orwhen a signal is received from the remote controller to turn thesprinkler device on, the main control unit activates a motor and camvalve control system, generally designated by reference numeral 60. Themotor and cam valve control system 60 includes a motor 18 which isoperative with a cam mechanism 20 and a water flow control valve 22. Themotor rotates the cam mechanism to a first position in which the waterflow control valve 22 is opened to allow water from a water source 24 toflow to the sprinkler head 26 which generates a water spray. When thedevice is turned off, the motor rotates the cam mechanism to a secondposition in which the water flow control valve 22 is closed, shuttingoff water flow from the water source 24, as will be described furtherhereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 14 has a plurality of modeswhich are set manually. According to the illustrated embodiment, thesemodes include “on” mode 30, “off” mode 32 and “sprinkler” mode 34.

When the main control unit 14 set to “on” 30, the sprinkler device isresponsive to commands from the remote controller 16. The remotecontroller 16 does not have to provide an activation signal in order forthe device to begin operation including motion detection and sprinkleractivation. The user also does not have to provide a motion detectorsensitivity level at the outset using the remote controller because thesystem defaults to a preset sensitivity level when the main control unitis turned to “on” for the first time. The user, may however, choose toadjust this sensitivity level as is described hereinafter. The user mayalso adjust the default sensitivity level. According to one embodiment,the device is powered by batteries and the user adjusts the defaultsensitivity level by removing the batteries and setting the new level.Thereafter, when the main control unit is turned on for the first timeafter reinsertion of the batteries, the default sensitivity level willbe set to the level adjusted by the user.

The remote controller 16 can be used to set the sensitivity level,deactivate and activate the device, and deactivate and reactivate thesprinkler. With the main control unit “on”, and in the absence of adeactivation or other command from the remote controller, the devicewill activate when motion is detected. Deactivation by the remotecontroller stops motion detection. The remote controller activationcommand is used only after the device has been deactivated by the remotecontroller in that, as noted above, the main control unit automaticallybecomes activated when the main control unit is turned “on”.

When the main control unit 14 is manually set to “off” 32, the device isshut down. When shut down, the sprayer 26 and motion detector 12 areturned off and the device 10 is not responsive to any commands sent fromthe remote controller 16.

Finally, when the main control unit is set to “sprinkler” mode 34, thesprayer 26 is turned on so that water is sprayed indefinitely. However,when in sprinkler mode, the device will respond to sprinkler commandsfrom the remote controller just as when the main control unit is in “on”mode. The sprinkler commands include stop, activate/deactivate, andtimer commands. This listing is not intended to be comprehensive as thesystem may be configured to have additional sprinkler commands. However,with the noted commands the remote controller can be used to stop thesprinkler, as well as to deactivate and reactivate the device, when themain control unit is either in “on” mode or “sprinkler” mode.

Deactivation of the device makes the device unresponsive to motiondetection and also turns off the indefinite spraying action initiated byplacing the main control unit in sprinkler mode. The device remainsresponsive to further commands from the remote controller, however.

More particularly, when the device is deactivated using the remotecontroller, and the main control unit is either in “on” or “sprinkler”mode, the remote controller may thereafter be used to reactivate thedevice. Therefore, when speaking of the actions that are initiated usingthe remote controller, the terms “activate” or “reactivate” and“deactivate” are used rather than “on” and “off” because, unless themain control unit itself is manually set to “off”, the device remainsresponsive to commands sent by the remote controller even whendeactivated, i.e., the remote controller can reactivate the device. Thedevice is only truly “off”, with respect to the ability of the device torespond to remote controller commands, when the main control unit is setto “off”.

As is evident, the device may be operated through manual input of asetting at the main control unit and without a remote controller.Setting the main control unit to “on” or “sprinkler”, and thereaftercontrolling the sprinkler device using the remote controller is,however, the preferred configuration of the present inveniton.

The main control unit 14 has an IR sensor 38 that, when the main controlunit 14 is “on” 30, receives and acts upon IR control signals from theremote controller 16. Alternatively, the main control unit could beequipped with an RF receiver that receives RF signals from an RFtransmitter at the remote controller.

As shown in FIG. 4, the remote controller 16 has a plurality of userinput elements generally referred to by reference numeral 40. In theillustrated embodiment, the user input elements 40 are referred to asbuttons with the understanding that the input elements are not limitedto buttons but may be embodied using any known input elements, includingbut not limited to buttons, switches, rotary dials, rheostats, a touchscreen, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the user input elements include a deviceactivation button 41, a device deactivation button 42, a sensitivitylevel button 44, a sprinkler time set button 46 and a stop button 48. Inresponse to inputs received from the user using these buttons, theremote controller 16 uses an associated IR transmitter 50 to send anappropriate IR command signal to the main control unit 14 of thesprinkler device 10.

The device deactivation button 42 is used to deactivate operation of thedevice remotely. Being able to remotely deactivate the device allows theuser, or other persons or animals in the area, to approach or move infront of the sprinkler device 10 without the risk of being sprayed. Thedevice activation button 41 is used to remotely reactivate the device. Asingle toggle type button or switch may alternatively be used todeactivate and reactivate the device. As explained above, the device mayonly be “reactivated” using the remote controller when the manualsetting at the main control unit is in the “on” or the “sprinkler” mode.

The sensitivity level button 44 enables the user to set the sensitivityof the motion detector to motion. In the illustrated embodiment, thesettings are designated by a range of 1-9, with 9 being the mostsensitive setting. Other ranges could, of course, be established.

With the remote controller 16, the user can select and, as necessary,adjust a sensitivity setting without having to walk back and forth fromthe device 10 to a motion test location. For example, the user may firstselect sensitivity setting “2” and then can walk around to see how muchmotion or what speed of motion is needed to activate the sprinklerdevice 10. If, in the user's view, too much motion or motion speed isrequired to activate the sprinkler device, the user can simply select ahigher sensitivity setting, such as “8”, and repeat the test process. Ifsensitivity setting “8” proves to be too sensitive, e.g., activating thesprinkler device in response to leaf motion, then the user can adjustthe setting accordingly. All of these adjustments can be made at adistance from the sprinkler device using the remote controller 16,eliminating the need for the user to have to repeatedly walk up to theunit 10 to select a setting, move away from the unit to test thesetting, etc.

The sprinkler time set button 46 allows the user to set a particulartime period for which the user wants the sprinkler to remain active,i.e., to spray continually for a set period of time. According to onepreferred embodiment, the selectable time periods may be 15 minutes, 30minutes and 60 minutes. These time periods are only representative, ofcourse, as any time period may be included in the user's choicesaccording to the design of the remote controller 16. For example, thetime period could be advantageously controlled using a rotary dial toset any length of time between one minute to two hours. Alternatively,the time could be set by a minute/second window display with a touchscreen enabling the user to increase or decrease the set time. Using thesprinkler time set button, the user can employ the sprinkler device 10as a watering device for plants or as a timed deterrent againstencroaching animals.

The sprinkler stop button 48 provides the user with the ability to stopthe sprinkler when it has been set with the time set button 46 and theuser wants to stop the spraying action before the time period is up.

In the disclosed embodiment, water flow from the water source 24 to thesprinkler head 26 is controlled by the motor and cam valve controlsystem 60, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5A and the assembledview of FIG. 5B. Broadly, the motor and cam valve control system 60includes the motor generally designated by reference numeral 18, thewater flow control valve generally designated by reference numeral 22,and the cam mechanism generally designated by reference numeral 20. Thewater flow control valve 22 is opened and closed by the cam mechanism20.

The motor includes a motor assembly 302 mounted to a motor bracket 304with screws 306. The water flow control valve 22 includes a valvemanifold 308, a valve diaphragm 310, a valve back housing 312 and avalve arm 314. The valve 22 also includes a permanent magnet 316, and ametal valve plunger 318 with spring 320. The cam mechanism 20 includes aleft valve cam 322, a right valve cam 324 and a cam drive pin 326. Whenthe left and right valve cams 322 and 324 are mounted together, as shownin FIG. 5C, they create a curved gap or channel 317 between them. Pin326, which is mounted in a receiving part 319 on the arm 314, rides inthis channel 317 so that, as the motor spins, the arm 314 moves in andout.

The valve diaphragm 310 is positioned between the valve manifold 308 anda central opening 330 in the valve back housing 312. An outer end 332 ofthe metal plunger 318 is received within the opening 330 in the valveback housing 312, and an inner end 334 of the plunger 318 is seatedagainst the diaphragm 310. The spring 320 is secured to the inner end334 of the plunger 318 to bias the plunger inwardly. When the valve backhousing is secured to the valve manifold 308 to form a valve housing,generally designated by reference numeral 336, the diaphragm 310,plunger 318 and spring 320 are enclosed within the housing 336. As usedherein, “outer” and “outwardly” refer to that portion of the motor andcam valve control system nearest the motor, while “inner” refers to theportion of the system nearest the valve manifold 308. The magnet isreceived within the ring part 313 of the valve arm 314, such as with apress fit. The axle 311 on the inner valve arm 314 is pivotally mountedto the housing 312 using a small clip 315.

The valve housing 336 is mounted on a support structure such as tube orpipe 338. The lower end of the pipe is fitted with a hose coupling 340and coupling retainer 342 with suitable sealing elements includingo-ring 344 and gasket 346. A hose (not shown) may be secured to the hosecoupling 340 at one hose end and to a water source 24 at the hoseopposite end. The water source 24 may be a city water supply or wellthat provides water to a dwelling or other building which is then sentthrough the hose under pressure or other pressurized water supplyingconfiguration.

When the valve 22 is in the closed position and the sprinkler is turnedon, either by detection of motion, by the main control unit being placedin “sprinkler” mode or by the remote controller, the motor 18 isactivated. The motor rotates the cam mechanism 20 a preset number ofdegrees in a first direction to a first position and then turns off. Inthe first position, the cam mechanism positions the permanent magnet 316in such a way that the magnet pulls back the metal plunger 318 in thewater flow control valve to open the valve and allow water to flowthrough the valve to the sprinkler head 26. When the sprinkler is turnedon in response to the detection of motion, the sprinkler will remain onfor a preset period of time and then stop. Thereafter, if motion isdetected again, the sprinkler will again come on and spray for thepreset period of time. When the sprinkler has been turned on by the maincontrol unit being placed in “sprinkler” mode or by the remotecontroller, water will continue to flow until power is reapplied to themotor in response to receipt of a further command from the remotecontroller or manual input of a new mode to the main control unit. Themotor may be configured to rotate the cam mechanism a preset number ofdegrees in a second direction to a second position and then turn off.Alternatively, the motor may be configured to rotate the cam mechanisman additional preset number of degrees in the same first direction toreach the second position and then turn off.

In the second position, the magnet 316 is moved outwardly so that themetal plunger 318 is released from the holding force of the magnet. Oncereleased, the plunger moves inwardly under the force of the spring 320to close the valve and turn off the flow of water to the sprinkler head26. The cam mechanism rotates only to move the magnet to open and closethe valve; thus, movement of the sprinkler head side to side is afunction of water pressure and the design of the sprinkler as in the'192 patent.

The motor and cam system 60 as described herein has a low powerrequirement since the motor is only turned on to rotate the cammechanism between the opened and closed valve positions. Once the cammechanism is rotated to open the valve, the motor does not need tocontinue running in order to maintain spraying action by the device asthe magnet keeps the valve open. This is an advantage over conventionalsolenoid-operated valve control devices which require a constant supplyof power to the solenoid to keep the valve open and the sprinkleractively spraying. The low power consumption of the present invention isof particular benefit when the sprinkler is operating in sprinkler modeor when the sprinkler time set input has been used to command the deviceto spray continually for a set period of time.

According to a preferred embodiment, the motor rotates the cam mechanism180 degrees to open the valve, and then rotates the cam mechanismanother 180 degrees in the same direction to return to the startingposition in which the valve is closed. Alternatively, as describedabove, the system may be configured so that the motor rotates the cammechanism in two directions, first 180 degrees in one direction to openthe valve and then 180 degrees in the opposite direction to close thevalve. Greater or lesser degrees of rotation could, of course, be usedwith appropriate design of the cam mechanism and associated elements.

As would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, thewater flow control valve could be opened and/or closed using othermechanisms such as a solenoid or other component(s) as described in the'192 patent. However, the motor and cam valve control system of thepresent invention is advantageous as this system requires far less powerthan a conventional solenoid as described above.

As summarized in the flow charts of FIGS. 6A and 6B and FIG. 7, thepresent invention also includes a method of remotely controlling amotion activated water repellant sprinkler device. The method includesproviding a device having a water spraying element, a main control unit,a motion detector and a remote controller, step 400. The water sprayingelement of the device is connected to a water source through a waterflow control valve. The valve is controlled by the motor and cam valvecontrol system 60. The main control unit of the device is operative toinitiate opening and closing of the water flow control valve to controlwater flow to activate and deactivate spraying action. The motiondetector of the device is coupled to the main control unit and, whenmotion is sensed in a monitored area adjacent the sprinkler device, themotion detector sends a signal to the main control unit. In response tothe motion detector signal, the main control unit initiates activationof the water spraying element through opening of the water flow controlvalve. The remote controller is configured to enable the user todeactivate and reactivate the device when the main control unit is “on”or in “sprinkler” mode, and also to set a sensitivity setting of themotion detector.

The flowchart shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B sets forth the control steps whenthe device is used as a motion detector activated device. The userplaces the main control unit into “on” mode, step 402, and using theremote controller, selects a sensitivity level for the motion detector,step 404. The remote controller sends a signal to the main control unitindicating the selected sensitivity level, step 406. When the signal isreceived by the main control unit, the main control unit sets the motiondetector to the desired sensitivity level, step 408. The motionactivated water repellant sprinkler device then operates with the motiondetector set at the desired sensitivity level as selected by the userusing the remote controller, step 410.

If the user wants to deactivate the device, step 412, in order to beable to approach the sprinkler device, for example, the user sends adeactivation signal, which may be embodied as an IR signal, from theremote controller to an IR sensor at the main control unit. Upon receiptof the signal, the main control unit deactivates the device while theuser remains remotely located from the device, step 414. Motion detectordeactivation may be effected by sending a device deactivation signalfrom the remote controller or by turning the main control unit off. Oncedeactivated, the user can approach the device without risk of beingsprayed.

If the user desires to reactivate the device, step 416, the user sends acommand to the main control unit using the remote controller toreactivate the device remotely, step 418. If reactivation is notdesired, step 416, no action is necessary, step 430.

The control steps for operating the device in “sprinkler” mode aresummarized in FIG. 7. As in the “on” mode, the method includes providinga device having a water spraying element, a main control unit, a motiondetector and a remote controller, step 401. The user places the maincontrol unit into “sprinkler” mode, step 419. If the user wishes toremotely set a particular time period for continuous sprinkler activity,step 420, the user enters a desired time period and sends a signal withthis information to the main control unit, step 422. If the user wishesto stop the continuous sprinkler activity before completion of theremotely set time period, step 424, the user activates a stop button onthe remote controller, sending a signal to the main control unit todeactivate the sprinkler, step 426. If the user does not want tointerrupt continuous sprinkler activity, no action is required, step431.

As described herein, the present invention provides a motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device and method having a main control unitthat can be set to allow the device to be remotely controlled. The maincontrol unit includes an IR sensor that receives IR signals from theremote controller. When the main control unit is on, the user can adjustthe sensitivity setting of the motion detector, deactivate andreactivate the device, set timed periods during which the sprinkler willspray continually, and stop the sprinkler device using the remotecontroller.

The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention maybe configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by thedimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of thepresent invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art.Therefore, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specificexamples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may beresorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A motion activated water repellant sprinkler devicecomprising: a water spraying element connected to a pressurized watersource through a water flow control valve; a main control unit operativeto initiate opening and closing of the water flow control valve tocontrol water flow to activate and deactivate spraying action; a motiondetector for sensing motion in an area adjacent the sprinkler device,the motion detector coupled to said main control unit and configured tosend a signal to the main control unit when motion has been detected,said main control unit initiating activation of the water sprayingelement through opening of the water flow control valve in response tothe motion detector signal; a motor and cam mechanism coupled betweenthe main control unit and the water spraying element, said main controlunit activating the motor to rotate the cam mechanism when motion hasbeen detected; and a permanent magnet associated with said cammechanism, rotation of said cam mechanism moving the permanent magnet toa first position adjacent to a metal plunger in the water flow controlvalve to pull the plunger back with magnetic holding force and open thevalve, said plunger being spring-biased to move forwardly and close thevalve when released from the holding force of the magnet, furtherrotation of said cam mechanism moving the magnet to a second positionaway from the metal plunger so that the plunger, when released from theholding force of the magnet, moves to close the valve under said springbias.
 22. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as setforth in claim 21, further comprising a remote controller with atransmitting element configured to enable a user to transmit a commandsignal to control one or more functions of the sprinkler device from aremote location.
 23. The motion activated water repellant sprinklerdevice as set forth in claim 22, wherein said main control unit isconfigured to deactivate and reactivate the device in response toreceipt of one or more command signals from said remote controller. 24.The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set forth inclaim 23, wherein said transmitting element sends IR command signals,the main control unit including an IR sensor that receives said IRcommand signals from the remote controller.
 25. The motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device as set forth in claim 22, wherein saiddevice is configured to enable a user to remotely set and adjust asensitivity level, of the motion detector using the remote controller.26. The motion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set forthin claim 25, wherein said transmitting element sends IA command signals,the main control unit including an IR sensor that receives said IRcommand signals from the remote controller for adjusting the sensitivitylevel of the motion detector.
 27. The motion activated water repellantsprinkler device as set forth in claim 22, wherein said device isconfigured to enable a user to remotely set a particular time period forcontinuous sprinkler activity using the remote controller.
 28. Themotion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set forth in claim27, wherein said remote controller includes a stop input by which theuser can remotely stop the continuous sprinkler activity beforecompletion of the remotely set time period.
 29. The motion activatedwater repellant sprinkler device as set forth in claim 22, wherein saidmain control unit includes an IR sensor that receives IR command signalsfrom the remote controller.
 30. The motion activated water repellantsprinkler device as set forth in claim 22, wherein said main controlunit includes an RF receiver that receives RF command signals sent fromthe remote controller.
 31. The motion activated water repellantsprinkler device as set forth in claim 21, wherein the motor is onlyactivated while the valve is being moved between the open and closedpositions, the valve, once open, being kept open by the magnet so thatno additional power is needed to keep the sprinkler active.
 32. Themotion activated water repellant sprinkler device as set forth in claim21, wherein said cam mechanism is rotated 180 degrees to move the magnetto the first position to open the valve, and then is rotated anadditional 180 degrees to move the magnet to the second position toclose the valve.
 33. A method of operating to motion activated waterrepellant sprinkler device having a water spraying element connected toa water source through a water flow control valve, a main control unitoperative to initiate opening and closing of the water flow controlvalve to control water flow to activate and deactivate spraying action,a motion detector for sensing motion in an area adjacent to thesprinkler device, the motion detector coupled to said main control unitand configured to send a signal to the main control unit when motion hasbeen detected, said main control unit initiating activation of the waterspraying element through opening of the water flow control valve inresponse to the motion detector signal, a motor and cam mechanismcoupled between the main control unit and the water spraying element, apermanent magnet being associated with said cam mechanism, said maincontrol unit activating the motor to rotate the cam mechanism whenmotion has been detected, rotation of said cam mechanism moving thepermanent magnet to a first position adjacent to a metal plunger in thewater flow control valve to pull the plunger back with magnetic holdingforce and open the valve, said plunger being spring-biased to moveforwardly and close the valve when released from the holding force ofthe magnet, further rotation of said can mechanism moving the magnet toa second position away from the metal plunger so that the plunger isreleased from the holding force of the magnet and moves to close, thevalve under said spring bias, the method comprising the steps of:placing the sprinkler device into “on” mode to activate the motiondetector at a preset sensitivity level; detecting motion by said motiondetector; said main control unit, in response to a motion detectionsignal from said motion detector, activating the motor to rotate the cammechanism which, in turn, moves the permanent magnet to the firstposition adjacent to the metal plunger, said permanent magnet pullingthe plunger back with magnetic holding force and opening the water flowcontrol valve to activate the water spraying element; and furtherrotating said cam mechanism to move the magnet to the second positionaway from the metal plunger, the plunger in said second position beingreleased from the holding force of the magnet and being moved under saidspring bias to close the valve and deactivate the water sprayingelement.
 34. The method as set forth in claim 33, further comprising thestep of using a remote controller to remotely control said sprinklerdevice.
 35. The method as set forth in claim 34, further comprising thesteps of: adjusting, if a different sensitivity level is desired, asensitivity level for the motion detector using the remote controller;sending a signal from the remote controller to the main control unitindicating the selected sensitivity level; receiving the signal by themain control unit, said main control unit setting the motion detector tothe desired sensitivity level; and operating the motion activated waterrepellant sprinkler device with the motion detector set at the desiredsensitivity level as selected using the remote controller.
 36. Themethod as set forth in claim 34, wherein the step of using the remotecontroller to remotely control said sprinkler device includes sending awireless signal from the remote controller to the main control unit todeactivate the device while a user remains remotely located from thedevice.
 37. The method as set forth in claim 34, wherein the step ofusing the remote controller to remotely control said sprinkler deviceincludes sending a wireless signal from the remote controller to themain control unit to remotely set a particular time period forcontinuous sprinkler activity.
 38. The method as set forth in claim 37,wherein said remote controller includes a stop button, said methodincluding the step of a user pressing the stop button to remotely stopthe continuous sprinkler activity before completion of the remotely settime period.
 39. The method as set forth in claim 34, further comprisingthe steps of deactivating the device using the remote controller, andthen reactivating the device using said remote controller while saidmain control unit remains in said “on” mode when deactivated by saidremote controller.
 40. The method as set forth in claim 34, furthercomprising the step of turning the main control unit into “off” mode,said device being unresponsive to commands sent from the remotecontroller when said main control unit is in said “off” mode.